Did you know . . .
Last week, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced new guidance that fully vaccinated individuals may resume pre-pandemic activities without the wearing of a mask or social distancing.  Individuals are considered “fully vaccinated” if they have had at least two weeks since their second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or at least two seeks since their single-dose of the Janssen vaccine.  Those who are not fully vaccinated are still recommended to wear masks, practice social distancing, test and/or self-quarantine after travel, and quarantine if in contact with a positive COVID-19 case.
Shortly after the CDC’s recent announcement, both the North Dakota Department of Health and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz indicated that they were aligning with this new guidance.  Governor Walz further announced the rescission of the Minnesota state mask mandate as of May 14, 2021, citing the new guidance.  Keep in mind, though, that nothing in the governor’s recent announcement, CDC guidance, or North Dakota or Minnesota state law prohibits private businesses from continuing to require the use of masks.  Employers should consider this new guidance when deciding whether to make any modifications to their current COVID-19 policies.
For more information, contact your Vogel Law Firm employment law team.